IMPACT members from the Early Childhood Care and Education sector joined a protest outside the Dáil last week, and called on the Government to increase investment in the sector. Hundreds of workers, and their supporters, joined the rally, organised by the Association of Childhood Professionals (ACP), calling for greater state investment in services and a Government-backed pay scale for the early years workforce.

Speakers at the event included Ciara Conway, TD for Waterford, Senator Katherine Zappone, founder of An Cosán, and Professor Noirín Hayes of Start Strong.

IMPACT represents hundreds of professionals in the sector and the number is growing. More services are needed and the costs for families are enormous. Yet the sector is largely overlooked by policymakers, and suffers from a lack of investment.

Una Faulkner, IMPACT organiser said “Front-line professionals in this sector are extremely important not only for the work they do but the wider value of their work to society. But these professionals earn barely more than the minimum wage, despite Fetac qualifications up to levels 7 and 8. For a professionally qualified job this is not acceptable.”

Una added “There are huge discrepancies across the country in relation to contracts and terms and conditions, which are not standardised. Many workers are employed under temporary, renewable contracts, meaning they have to sign on for social welfare during the summer months.”

Una pointed out that IMPACT has a proven track record of professionalising grades and securing standardised contracts, for example with special needs assistants (SNAs). “Childhood professionals need to join IMPACT so that they have a strong and cohesive voice to bring about change in this valuable sector.”

TASC’s report on inequality specifically cites the lack of affordable childcare provision as a contributing factor to growing inequality.

Una said that the time has come for the Government to stand up and recognise its responsibilities for investing in childcare, “It’s desperately needed. For children, their parents and workers, the situation is reaching crisis point” she said.

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